Table of Contents
Introduction
Babies are precious and every milestone that they achieve is worth celebrating. At 12 months old, your baby will have made leaps and bounds in their development. They will have grown and learned so much since their first day in the world. It is important to know what to expect and what milestones your baby should be reaching at this age.
Physical Development
Your baby will have grown a lot since their birth. At 12 months old, they will have approximately tripled their birth weight and grown to about 30 inches in length. They will be able to sit up on their own and possibly even walk. Crawling will be easy for them and they will be able to stand and walk with assistance. Your baby will also be able to pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger, known as the pincer grasp.
Language Development
Your baby will be able to understand simple words and phrases at 12 months old. They will be able to say “mama” and “dada” and may even say a few other words such as “bye-bye” or “dog”. They will also be using gestures to communicate, such as pointing or waving goodbye. Your baby will be babbling and experimenting with different sounds.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s memory will be improving at 12 months old. They will be able to remember where objects are even if they cannot see them. They will also be able to mimic simple actions such as clapping, waving or blowing kisses. Your baby will be interested in cause and effect toys and will enjoy stacking objects on top of each other.
Social and Emotional Development
Your baby will be more aware of their surroundings and the people in it at 12 months old. They will experience a range of emotions and may express them through crying, smiling or laughing. They will enjoy playing with other children their age and will be interested in exploring new things. Your baby will also show attachment to familiar people and may become upset when they leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my baby is not reaching these milestones?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace. If you are concerned that your baby is not reaching these milestones, speak to your pediatrician. They will be able to assess your baby’s development and provide guidance.
Q: Should I be worried if my baby is not walking yet?
A: No, not all babies walk at 12 months old. Some may start walking a few months later. As long as your baby is making progress in other areas of development, there is no need to worry.
Q: Do I need to start teaching my baby to talk?
A: No, talking will come naturally to your baby. You can encourage their language development by talking to them frequently and reading to them.
Q: Can I help my baby develop?
A: Yes, you can help your baby develop by providing them with a safe and stimulating environment. Give them opportunities to explore and play with different toys. Talk to them frequently and read to them. Encourage them to try new things.
Q: What should I do if I am concerned about my baby’s development?
A: Speak to your pediatrician if you are concerned about your baby’s development. They will be able to assess your baby’s development and provide guidance on what you can do to help.